Öküz Mehmed Paşa Caravanserai
It’s located in the Kuşadası District centre, right across the harbor. Öküz Mehmet Pasha, who was Sultan Ahmed I’s Grand Vizier, had the Caravanserai built in 1618. It’s rumored that Öküz (lit. Ox) Mehmed Pasha, who was a blacksmith’s son, was nicknamed as such because of his strength. The fortress-like outer walls of the caravanserai are armed with cannon battlements against pirate attacks. The caravanserai, built for the city and harbor protection, was also used for merchants’ protection and accommodation needs. The caravanserai was designed as a classic Ottoman inner city inn with its two floors and yard.